Silkscreen Print & Play
$150.00 | 10AM-5PM | All materials included
Learn the basics of silkscreen printing, experimenting with both stencils and films to create a set of two-color prints to take home, plus your own screen with design for further printing.
In silkscreen printing, you transfer elements of your very own design onto paper through a screen mesh with a squeegee. It's a fast and fun exercise that allows you to create designs both broad and intricate, layered in bold final compositions.
During this workshop, you’ll learn how silkscreen printing works and compose your design, with guidance on how to break your design down into elements and how to prepare stencils and films.
Then we will go into print mode, learning the basics of preparing your screen for printing, mixing paint, registration, setting up your workspace, pulling your prints, and then cleaning up. You'll print on a set of printmaking papers for 10 final 12x16 or 12x12 prints.
We will work broadly as a community to prepare the elements and clean up, and you'll be encouraged to experiment not only with your design, but with elements of designs from other members of the class, to complete different compositional layers.
You’ll walk away with a set of bold and dynamic two-layer prints plus your own screen with design for further printing.
Though we encourage you to bring an initial design idea to work with in class, no prior experience is necessary, and all materials are included. Appropriate for ages 14 and up. Sonia will use her teaching experiences accumulated for over a decade to make accessible the materials, tools, and techniques you'll use to bring everything together into a set of your own prints to take home.
Here’s a breakdown of the day:
10am-11:00pm
Silkscreen printing demonstration and introduction to materials and process.
11:00am-1pm:
Making stencils for our two-layer print. Printing the first layer with attention to color mixing and registration.
1-1:30pm: break for lunch
While lunch is not included, we have a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and kettle for your convenience, as well as nearby food options
1:30pm-2:30pm
Making films. Coating, exposing, and washing out our screens.
2:30pm-4:30pm
Printing the second layer of our print. Registration and color layering.
4:30-5pm:
Final print trim & clean up
Things to Know
Silkscreen printing can get messy! Though you’ll be provided an apron, make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes with good grip.
Please note this class can be physically demanding, requiring standing for long periods, and crouching or bending down frequently. Though we will spend most of our time indoors in air conditioning, we may spend some time outside, especially when washing out our screens. Rest areas and shaded areas are available when needed.
This full-day workshop costs $150.00 per person and includes all materials. When you register here, you’ll receive an email with payment instructions. Direct deposit, card payment, PayPal, or Zelle all accepted, as well as cash paid ahead of the workshop date at our location (open to the public Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays).
About Poinciana Paper Press
Located in Nassau, The Bahamas, Poinciana Paper Press is a Center for Writing, Book Arts, and Publishing that provides platforms, guidance, and opportunities for engaging with books and their allied crafts in order to empower the diversity of narratives in Caribbean art and literature. We value all stories and experiences, providing a culturally safe, creative, collaborative, accessible and inclusive space to find your voice. All of our classes take place in one of our bright and airy studios or library to provide a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to build community around creative expression through the book.